 the person spoken to received this unexpected
address, caused him to pause a moment. As no answer was given, and the strong
emotion exhibited in the countenance of the youth gradually passed away, he
continued - »But, fortunately, it is in some measure in my power to compensate
you for what I have done. My kinsman, Richard Jones, has received an appointment
that will, in future, deprive me of his assistance, and leaves me, just now,
destitute of one who might greatly aid me with his pen. Your manner,
notwithstanding appearances, is a sufficient proof of your education, nor will
thy shoulder suffer thee to labour, for some time to come.« (Marmaduke
insensibly relapsed into the language of the Friends as he grew warm.) »My doors
are open to thee, my young friend, for in this infant country, we harbour no
suspicions; little offering to tempt the cupidity of the evil disposed. Become
my assistant, for at least a season, and receive such compensation as thy
services will deserve.«
    There was nothing in the manner or the offer of the Judge, to justify the
reluctance, amounting nearly to loathing, with which the youth listened to his
speech; but, after a powerful effort, for self-command, he replied -
    »I would serve you, sir, or any other man, for an honest support, for I do
not affect to conceal that my necessities are very great, even beyond what
appearances would indicate; but I am fearful that such new duties would
interfere too much with more important business; so that I must decline your
offer, and depend on my rifle, as before, for subsistence.«
    Richard here took occasion to whisper to the young lady, who had shrunk a
little from the foreground of the picture -
    »This, you see, cousin Bess, is the natural reluctance of a half-breed to
leave the savage state. Their attachment to a wandering life is, I verily
believe, unconquerable.«
    »It is a precarious life,« observed Marmaduke, without hearing the Sheriff's
observation, »and one that brings more evils with it than present suffering.
Trust me, young friend, my experience is greater than thine, when I tell thee,
that the unsettled life of these hunters is of vast disadvantage for temporal
purposes, and it totally removes one from the influence of more sacred things.«
    »No, no, Judge,« interrupted the Leather-stocking; who was hitherto unseen,
or disregarded; »take him into your shanty in welcome,
